Vol. 12, Issue 11 (2023)

Author(s):
G Muthu and GB Sudhagar Rao

Abstract:
During 2021 field experiments were conducted to study the integrated nutrient management practices for sustainable cotton production at Lathuvadi village, Thalaivasal Taluk of Salem. The experiments were laid with seven treatments and three replications. The treatments were viz., T₁ - 100% RDF, T₂ - 75% RDN + 25% N through Vermicompost, T₃ - 50% RDN + 50% N through vermicompost, T₄ - 25% RDN + 75% N through vermicompost, T₅ - 75% RDN + 25% N through Vermicompost + 1% MgSO₄ + 0.5% ZnSO₄ foliar spray, T₆ - 50% RDN + 50% N through vermicompost + 1% MgSO₄ + 0.5% ZnSO₄ ZnSO₄ foliar spray and T₇ - 25% RDN + 75% N through vermicompost + 1% MgSO₄ + 0.5% ZnSO₄ ZnSO₄ foliar spray. The application of organic manure and inorganic fertilizers along with the foliar application of micronutrients (Zn and Mg) to cotton significantly influenced the growth characters, yield attributed and yield of cotton. Among the various integrated nutrient management practices evaluated, application of 50% RDN + 50% N through vermicompost + 1% MgSO₄ + 0.5% ZnSO₄ ZnSO₄ foliar spray (T₆) resulted the enhanced growth characters viz., plant height, leaf area index, and dry matter production, Yield attributing characters viz., number of monopodial branches plant^-1, sympodial branches plant^-1, number of bolls plant^-1, boll weight and heigher seed cotton yield. This was on par with T₅ (75% RDN + 25% N through Vermicompost + 1% MgSO₄ + 0.5% ZnSO₄ foliar spray). Hence, the application of 50% RDN + 50% N through vermicompost + 1% MgSO₄ + 0.5% ZnSO₄ foliar spray (T₆) considered better way to get a better yield with sustained soil health.